L'Oreal Reports Strong Growth in India Driven by Skincare and Online Sales

French cosmetics company L'Oreal is seeing a major turnaround in its India business, supported by better team skills, more local product creation, and faster online shopping.

Growth Numbers

India posted double-digit growth in the consumer products division during the September quarter. The broader SAPMENA-SSA region, which includes South Asia Pacific, the Middle East, North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa, recorded an adjusted like-for-like growth of 19.2 per cent in the third quarter of 2026. Global Chief Executive Officer Nicolas Hieronimus noted that emerging markets like India and Brazil showed spectacular growth in professional products. Globally, L'Oreal reported sales of 35.33 billion euros for the first nine months of the year, with third-quarter sales hitting 11.56 billion euros.

Market Strategy

L'Oreal is growing its digital presence by pushing into quick commerce and completing the acquisition of a majority stake in Innovist, a digital-first Indian personal care company. The firm's corporate venture fund BOLD has also teamed up with beauty retailer Nykaa to invest in high-growth Indian beauty and wellness brands. Meanwhile, dermatological skincare brands CeraVe and La Roche-Posay are expanding into new cities to meet rising local demand.

Context

Global beauty brands are increasingly focusing on emerging markets like India due to rising disposable incomes and a growing appetite for specialized skincare products. Quick commerce and digital-first platforms have transformed how beauty products reach consumers in urban areas across the country.